Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

Brad Malone played for Cushing Prep before joining the Sioux Falls Stampede via a trade at the 2006 USHL Entry Draft. Cousin of Ryan Malone.

2006-07: Malone joined up with this seasons Clark Cup winner, the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), where he tallied 14 goals and 33 points through 57 games. He also racked up an impressive 134 penalty minutes in his first season in the league.

2007-08: Malone joined up with the University of North Dakota this season, netting a goal and three points in his first 34 games with the Fighting Sioux. His 44 penalty minutes led team rookies.

2008-09: The University of North Dakota sophomore compiled 17 points (5g+12a) in 41 games this season, racking up 77 penalty minutes along the way, all personal bests with the Fighting Sioux.

2009-10: Moved up to the scoring lines, playing mostly second-line center. Almost doubled his points per game.

2010-11: Malone signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Avalanche in April 2011 and made his pro debut in three AHL playoff games with Lake Erie following his senior season at North Dakota. Malone had one assist and an even plus/minus with the Monsters following a memorable final season with the Fighting Sioux. Malone skated in 43 of 44 games for North Dakota, leading the team in penalty minutes (102) for the second straight year, and was an integral part of the offense as North Dakota won the WCHA regular season and playoff titles and reached the NCAA Frozen Four. Malone scored 6 of his 16 goals on the power play and had 24 assists with a +23 plus/minus.

2011-12: Malone made his NHL debut with Colorado on December 9th and spent nine games with the Avalanche before being returned to AHL Lake Erie. He had 2 assists and was plus-one, averaging 10 minutes of ice time, during his time with Colorado. Malone was tied with Ryan Stoa for second in points (36), scoring 11 goals with 25 assists in 67 games, on a Lake Erie team that struggled to score goals. His 89 penalty minutes were fifth most on the Monsters and he ended the season minus-seven. Lake Erie finished third in the North Division – missing the playoffs by two points.

2012-13: Malone appeared in 13 NHL games with the Avalanche and played 63 games for Colorado AHL affiliate Lake Erie in his second pro season. He played one game in January with the Avalanche before being returned to the Monsters and was re-called in April; finishing the season in Colorado. Malone scored his first NHL goal on April 8th against Calgary. He finished the year with 1 goal and 1 assist and was -7 with 16 penalty minutes. In 63 games with Lake Erie he scored 10 goals with 14 assists and was -13 with 99 penalty minutes. Lake Erie finished third in the North Division but missed the AHL playoffs. Malone was re-signed to a one year contract by Colorado in July, 2013.

Talent Analysis

At 6’2 and 207 pounds, Malone is a nightmare for defensemen when they see him coming in hard on a forecheck. In addition to his big body he can play a two way game and play either center or wing. He may not be a regular on the scoring sheet but has scored at a high rate in lower levels of hockey.

Future

Malone is the most NHL ready player on the Lake Erie Monsters roster and was one of the first names called up to the Avalanche when injuries hit. He has had cups of coffee at the NHL level in previous seasons and will look to stick with the big club in 2013-14.

Photo: Defenseman Tyson Barrie, who has skated in 20 NHL games with the Avalanche in 2012-13, moved into the top spot in Colorado’s mid-season Top 20 (courtesy of Dustin Bradford/Icon SMI)

The Colorado Avalanche are in a very unique position for their franchise. They have a bevy of young talent in their organization – if you look at their roster, the team does not have many players over the age of 28 playing in the NHL this season. The problem for Colorado is, the bulk of that young talent is already on their NHL roster, leaving the cupboard a bit bare behind them.

Photo: Cameron Gaunce is one of several experienced defensive prospects in the Avalanche prospect pool on the verge of making the NHL. (courtesy of Zuma Press/Icon SMI)

With players like Gabriel Landeskog and Matt Duchene quickly ascending to the pro ranks, it is easy to see why the Colorado Avalanche’s prospect cupboards might be a bit bare. On the surface that is certainly the case, but if you dig a little deeper and poke around, you can see that there is at least a little depth to be had at every position – even the ones that do not appear to have it.

Tyson Barrie, who made his NHL debut in 2011-12 with the Avalanche, is one of several promising defensive prospects in the Avalanche system. (courtesy of Dustin Bradford/Icon SMI)

The Colorado Avalanche’s defensive and goaltending prospects occupy eight of its top 10 spots. From offensive-minded defensemen to stay at home defenders, the Avs’ future on the blue line is looking bright. The biggest problem Colorado is facing is a lack of premium offensive talent in its system. Michael Sgarbossa and Joey Hishon have the potential to be impact NHL players, but the list ends there. Colorado is stacked with undersized forwards who consistently get hurt playing too physically on the ice.